| District eyes cuts to music, swimming REEDSPORT -- The Reedsport School District's budget committee has mixed thoughts on the 2012-13 proposed budget. 'There are a lot of families who are very upset about the fourth, fifth and sixth grade swimming being cut," said Karen Plagmann, a parent of a Highland Elementary student. That's how their minds work, that's the progression of the brain, they say it's from a very early age. Parents and budget committee members disagreed. 'Developmentally, music needs to be introduced younger," said Jill Mast, a parent of several elementary students. About $100,000 remains in the contingency fund. An official request to HPO will be made soon asking for help in keeping swimming for at least fourth graders. On the table for elimination are music class, swimming lessons and a library media specialist. It will become extinct. Superintendent Larry Horton said additional revenue had been lost and 'I didn't want to cut anything else. Swimming classes will remain in place for students in grades K-3 and for new students who don't know how to swim. Members of the budget committee said they'll look into applying for grant money that could potentially keep the music playing at Highland. This is another budget item that isn't sitting well with parents of Highland students. 'I wish I had happier news here tonight," Horton said. The district has also proposed to designate $10,000 from its contingency fund to help balance a growing deficit. The school board will meet again at 7 tonight to further discuss and maybe vote on the budget. |
Thursday, 3 May 2012
District eyes cuts to music, swimming
